MCDP 1-4 governs the Marine Corps approach to competition across the competition continuum, including war and activities below the threshold of violence.
View MCDP 1-4 on armypubs.army.mil
MCDP 1-4 examines the nature, theory, preparation, rival approaches, and conduct of competition. It provides broad conceptual guidance rather than specific techniques or procedures and requires judgment in application.
Competition happens constantly in many forms amongst the nations of the world, in the diplomatic, informational, military, and economic arenas. (paragraph 5)
Competitors include a wide range of political actors, from nation-states to groups organized around a single cause. (paragraph 5)
The Marine Corps participates in the competitions of the United States in many ways. (paragraph 5)
The Marine Corps, however, does not “win” our Nation’s competitions alone. (paragraph 5)
Competition is a fundamental aspect of international relations. As states and non-state actors seek to protect and advance their own interests, they continually compete for advantage. (paragraph 5)